Customers Knock GM on Noisy Engines

Detroit Free Press ^ | November 14, 2003 | Jocelyn Parker

[Vigilantcitizen]

"Some experts say the knocking, caused by contact between the engine's pistons and cylinders, may be damaging in the long run."

Really? Ya don't say.

What would the world do without "eggspurts"?

[umgud]

My 2003 Silverado has 50,000 miles on it. It has always had a bareley perceptable nagging little knock that I've ignored. Just within the last month it has started the cold start knock. I thought maybe the oil pump was going out and had it replaced. This didn't solve the problem. On my next visit to the dealer I'll take a printed version of this article.

[Malsua]

>>I've had numerous GM vehicles with big block engines (especially the 350). <<

Just to be a nitpick, a 350 is a small block ;)

[texpat72]

Ditto

[Marauder]

I bought a new Dodge Dakota in 1999, and people tell me they're surprised I've had no trouble (to speak of) with it.

[blackdog]

My 1995 GMC Turbodiesel is noisy on cold starts. I use it as my heavy loads farm truck(pulls 20,000 pounds) and for family long distance trips since it's got television, weather radar, GPS for marking nutrient application areas linked from satellite reports,(no sense fertilizing what doesn't need it) lapttop modem ports with chargers, and it can safely seat seven. All this while pulling my Airstream camper and getting 24 miles per gallon on the highway. It's cheap to operate. The engines are not made by GMC. The engine goes 400,000 to overhauls. It's a truck that when used for what it's designed for should last you at least 20 years. It should not be somebody's daily vehicle. I keep it in the farthest outbuilding from the house. It's gotta run ten minutes before moving most the time, and can get quite smelly while warming up, and needs to be kept plugged in to the coolant heater element any time OAT goes below 25 dgrees, if not the loud alarm tells you to stay put and get the coolant warmed up.

The best truck I've ever had. I still use an Isuzu for a beater, but funny enough, the little Isuzu gets lower fuel mileage and cannot tow anything over 1,000.

[mewzilla]

I always thought piston slap was what happened to the worn out engines of old neglected junkers.

Or new engines that are poorly designed and/or manufactured.

[SVTCobra03]

Ask my neighbors about my modified 03 Cobra with its Borla cat-backs.

[Lee'sGhost]

I'm looking at buying a midsized 4x4 with 4 doors. I think I've narrowed it down to the Tundra and the Dodge Dakota.

Any opinions? (Do blind, brand loyalty comments, please.)

Thanks.

[glock rocks]

the only problem I've had with the dodge was the shifter seal on the transfer case that leaked a bit of tranny fluid, and the ABS sensor replaced (the light came on) ... warranty stuff.

runs like a champ. but don't get me wrong about chevs... I've been driving chevies for 25 years. got a little fiberglass one in my garage :o)

[FreedomPoster]

Be nice. It's a medium block. ;-)

[DainBramage]

This is happening on my truck. If it is hot the engine sounds like its coming apart. I am taking it back today.

[mewzilla]

Anyone know if there've been any technical service bulletins out on this?

[Vaduz]

The 350 is a small block the 454 and 502 are big blocks look for the new 570 big block.

[DainBramage]

At first the tech bulletin involves just a ticking sound on start up that went away. Sounded like it was running real dry till the oil hit the top. They all said that was a normal condition of this engine, of course they only said that if you complained. Then the real loud piston slap starts and you are scared to drive it, and embarrassed because everyone standing within ear shot hears it and looks your way..

[mewzilla]

Piston slap might be normal in a diesel engine, but not here. Sounds like they just messed up the engine design. FWIW, I know folks who've gotten good mileage on engines that knocked.

[B4Ranch]

I'm driving a 4X4 Dodge V-10 1 ton and it takes care of my needs just fine. Try to locate a wholesale distributer, the guy who sells used cars to dealers, for fantastic savings. Get your truck at half price with 10k miles on it.

[martin_fierro]

I hear nothing but good about the Tundra.

[BMiles2112]

I know folks who've gotten good mileage on engines that knocked.
I've got a '96 Cavalier with the 2.2L that knocks. It's got 125,000 miles and gets about 39mpg. It does burn through about a quart of oil every 2,000 miles or so, and it probably won't last forever, but it gets the job done, and it's not worth the money to fix it.

[ampat]

The answer is get a lawyer, then GMC will bend.